Cayo Guillermo: Hemingway’s Hidden Haven Now Open for Adventure
Cayo Guillermo is a small island in Cuba made of coral. It is 13 km2 in size. In the province of Ciego de Avila, it is less than 30 km from the northern coast of the country, which faces the Atlantic Ocean.
It is part of the Jardines del Rey island, which is run by the provinces of Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey. It is near Cayo Coco, Cayo Romano, Cayo Guajaba, Cayo Sabinal, and other smaller islets.
History
The government decided to develop several resorts in these paradisiacal areas, which were formerly populated only by birds and mosquitoes: in the 1980s, and tourist exploitation of the cayos began.
In fact, the myth started to spread a few years earlier, when Ernest Hemingway wrote about the island’s pristine beauty in his 1950s book Islands in the Stream, which didn’t come out until 1970, after Hemingway had died. It was so popular that hotels and other places to stay were built one after the other. Today, Cayo Guillermo is one of the most popular and well-known places in the country.
Cayo Guillermo Attractions: Not only the beaches
On the island, there are three big beaches that add up to 5 km in length. People spend almost all of their vacations here, lying in the sun and watching the sea life. Playa Pilar, which is at the northwestern end of the key, is the most well-known of the three. It is thought to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and probably in the whole Caribbean.
It is a thin strip of very fine white sand that is washed by warm blue water. You can snorkel and do other water sports there. Cayo Guillermo has become the home of kitesurfing in Cuba over the past few years. Because of this, some parts of its coast are very popular with people who do this sport.
Behind sand dunes, Cayo Media Luna is a small island across from Playa Pilar. It used to be the dictator Fulgencio Batista’s home, but it was destroyed by a storm. Today, many tourists choose to go on planned boat or catamaran trips to the islet. These trips often include a stop for snorkeling or diving and a lunch.
Compared to Cayo Coco, the island of Guillermo has less cement, so it looks more natural. On the southern side of the island, among the mangroves, there is a large group of pink flamingos. Anyone who wants to can go on a motorboat tour through the canals and mangroves. However, it should be mentioned that there are a lot of mosquitoes on the island, which start to be very annoying in the late afternoon. So if you decide to come here, don’t forget to bring bug spray.
Accommodation in Cayo Guillermo
There are no casas particulares in Cayo Guillermo, so the only places to stay are the Sercotel Cayo Guillermo, Iberostar Playa Pilar, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Sol Cayo Guillermo, Daiquiri, Melia, and Villa Cojimar. People who only want to visit the keys for a day can stay in Morón, which is in the province’s interior, and take a cab or car to the islands the next day.
Climate
Cayo Guillermo’s weather can be hard to predict, but that’s true of almost all islands. Usually, it rains the most in May and June. After that, there is a break for two months (July and August, which are called high season), and then it starts to rain again in September and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms tend to happen more often during these two months. Between December and April is the dry season. It rains less often and the temperatures are always nice.
How to get there
Many people buy resort packages that include a transfer from Jardines del Rey Airport, which is on the island of Cayo Coco. Another option is to fly into Ciego de Ávila Airport, which is farther away, and then take a cab or rent a car to get to their destination. A small fee is needed to cross an ocean bridge that connects Cayo Coco to the rest of Cuba. In turn, Cayo Coco is linked to Cayo Guillermo by another canal. Once you get to the islands, you can also take a local bus between the two keys, which goes back and forth several times a day.
Dining in Cayo Guillermo
Cayo Guillermo is not just about the beaches and attractions; it’s also about the delicious cuisine. This small island offers a rich culinary experience featuring Cuban specialities. Whether you want to savour local seafood, traditional Cuban dishes, or international delicacies, the restaurants here cater to every palate. A few of the popular restaurants include the Beach Restaurant at Playa Pilar and the Lobster Dinner at Marina Marlin Cayo Guillermo. Each resort also features a variety of dining options, often with live music or performances to complement your meal. So, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the local cuisine when you’re visiting Cayo Guillermo. Remember, food experiences often become an unforgettable part of the journey.
Outdoor Activities
Another feature to highlight about Cayo Guillermo is its opportunities for outdoor activities. Besides the popular water sports like snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing, visitors can also engage in other outdoor adventures. These include deep-sea fishing, bird watching, and exploring the island on horseback or bicycle. For nature enthusiasts, visiting the El Baga Natural Park is a must. This reserve, located on neighbouring Cayo Coco, is home to various species of flora and fauna, offering a glimpse into Cuba’s rich biodiversity.
Nightlife and Entertainment
While Cayo Guillermo is known for its serene and relaxed vibe, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to nightlife and entertainment. Most resorts offer evening entertainment such as live music, dance shows, and themed nights. The island also hosts a few beach bars where you can enjoy Mojitos and Daiquiris and music under the stars. The Bagá Nature Park puts on an enchanting night show called the Legend of the Caribbean that’s worth checking out. While it’s not a bustling nightlife destination like Havana, Cayo Guillermo provides enough evening entertainment to ensure your nights are as enjoyable as your days.
